New England Patriots billionaire owner Robert Kraft was charged with two counts of soliciting sex at a high class massage parlor in Florida, police said on Friday.
The prominent businessman was among 25 people arrested after a months long investigation into possible human trafficking, Jupiter, Fla police Chief Robert Kerr said during a news conference.
Among those taken into custody were the two proprietors of Orchids of Asia Day Spa, Kerr said.
Evidence gathered during the sting include video surveillance and photographs of the johns inside and outside of the establishment.
Kraft, 77, is accused of visiting the business on two occasions to solicit “happy endings” with his back rubs.
A spokesman for Mr. Kraft and the Patriots, Aaron Salkin, said in a statement, “We categorically deny that Mr. Kraft engaged in any illegal activity. Because it is a judicial matter, we will not be commenting further.”
Kraft’s wife, Myra Nathalie Hiatt, died of ovarian cancer in 2011 at age 68. Their union produced 4 children.
The billionaire counts rappers Meek Mill (pictured with Kraft) and Jay-Z among his hip-hop circle of friends. He visited Meek in a Pennsylvania prison last year, after the rapper was sentenced to 2-4 years in prison for violating the terms of his probation.
“It’s sad,” Kraft told reporters outside the prison. “This guy is a great guy and shouldn’t be here.”
Mr. Kraft purchased the Patriots 25 years ago. Since then, the team has become the most successful franchise in the NFL, appearing in 10 Super Bowls and winning six titles. Kraft celebrated the Patriots’ Super Bowl win on February 05, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts.
The NFL frowns upon owners or players with criminal records.
A spokesman for the NFL did not respond to Yahoo News’ request for a comment.
Photos by Maddie Meyer and Streeter Lecka/Getty Images/Getty Images
